A shy cat had her dream come true after over a month in a kennel. She feels like a kitten again.

Charlie the catSaltyAnimal Rescue

A long-haired tabby cat was found as a stray and brought into an animal shelter, needing placement. Days turned into weeks, and the cat waited in her kennel for over a month.

She was overwhelmed by the shelter environment and retreated to the back of the confined space, trying to stay hidden. She needed a home to allow her true self to shine.

When Karly and Katelyn Saltarski, cofounders of Salty Animal Rescue (an all volunteer organization), received a request to help the cat, they couldn’t say no.

She was very shy at the shelterSaltyAnimal Rescue

Sydney, a volunteer of the rescue, offered to foster the cat named Charlie. She was ready to shower her with love and help her gain confidence.

Charlie moved into a quiet, spacious room with a food station, a comfy couch, and plenty of soft things.

Charlie moved into a foster homeSaltyAnimal Rescue

She stayed in her carrier to decompress before mustering the courage to explore.

She found a hiding spot behind the couch and wedged herself in while she continued to adjust. When Sydney came in to offer a few pets, Charlie was timid but didn’t refuse the gesture.

She hid behind a couch but started to warm up to her peopleSaltyAnimal Rescue

After experiencing love through touch, she grew more comfortable and curious and poked her head out from behind the couch.

As her confidence rose, Charlie realized she no longer had to hide in the shadows, and her sweet, goofy personality emerged. “We were expecting Charlie to be a little spicy, but she quickly showed her foster mom that she’s a playful love bug,” Karly shared.

SaltyAnimal Rescue

Overcoming her initial shyness, Charlie transformed into a velcro cat, a constant companion.

She curled up next to Sydney when she sat down to read. Charlie always had at least one paw touching her foster mom so that they could stay connected.

She always had a paw or two on her foster momSaltyAnimal Rescue

“Once she gets comfortable, she’s all about her humans. She loves to snuggle and play and makes the cutest little chirps and meows.”

Sydney gave Charlie all the attention, love and care a kitty could ask for. Slowly but surely, Charlie blossomed into a happy cuddle muffin, incredibly affectionate towards the people she trusts.

She adores snugglesSaltyAnimal Rescue

“She let her foster mom know just how much she missed her and was so happy when she got some Charlie time.”

Basking in the comfort and safety of indoor life, Charlie felt like a kitten again. “She’s still just a baby at a year old, so she has so much potential. Charlie really is a dream kitty.”

Her favorite thing to do is hanging out on the couch with her peopleSaltyAnimal Rescue

From wandering the streets to waiting in a kennel to thriving in a foster home, Charlie was finally ready to look for a place of her own.

A wonderful family came across Charlie’s story and was completely smitten with her. They opened their hearts and their home and welcomed her into their lives.

She curled up next to her foster mom when she was readingSaltyAnimal Rescue

“Charlie’s adopters understand it’s a huge change, and sometimes the new family member needs a little time to show their true self,” Karly shared.

“She’s being a shy girl, but her new family knows that in a few days, Charlie will be a whole new love bug.”

Charlie has found her forever homeSaltyAnimal Rescue

“The amount of rehoming requests we get is mind-blowing. Our shelters are overflowing.” With Charlie being adopted, Sydney can bring in another cat like Charlie, giving them a chance they deserve.

“We are so happy for Charlie and her new family and know she will have the best life from here on out.”